Solar Panel Cost Guide in Round Lake Park, IL (2024 Update)

  • Round Lake Park Solar Installation Cost: $16,643
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,528
  • Payback Period: 18.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Round Lake Park

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Round Lake Park.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Round Lake Park typically cost about 4.Using this figure, a typical 6.3-kW system would cost about $16,643 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on power bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Round Lake Park for a customized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Round Lake Park

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-15,487
3 years$-13,174
5 years$-10,862
7 years$-8,550
9 years$-6,237
11 years$-3,925
13 years$-1,612
15 years$700
17 years$3,012
19 years$5,325
21 years$7,637
23 years$9,949
25 years$12,262

Top Solar Installers in Round Lake Park

Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Round Lake Park, optimizing your ROI.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

See all of the solar companies in Round Lake Park

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Round Lake Park

Although the average cost of a solar system in Round Lake Park is $16,643, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Round Lake Park, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you hire to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Round Lake Park, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.91$16,424$5,03219.1 years
8 kW$3.84$21,477$7,13018.8 years
10 kW$3.76$26,320$9,43918.4 years
12 kW$3.68$30,952$11,95918.0 years
14 kW$3.61$35,374$14,68917.7 years
16 kW$3.53$39,585$17,63017.3 years
18 kW$3.46$43,586$20,78116.9 years
20 kW$3.38$47,376$24,14316.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Round Lake Park, IL Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Round Lake Park?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?

Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Do solar panels increase the value of your home?

Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.